CNA Classes & Programs in Athens, Tennessee
Get Information from CNA Programs in Athens and Nearby
Athens offers 2 CNA programs that enable residents to start careers as certified nursing assistants close to home. Located between Chattanooga and Knoxville in southeastern Tennessee’s McMinn County seat, Athens provides accessible educational resources tailored toward practical entry into healthcare support fields.
CNA classes here prepare students with hands-on experience required by employers while meeting state standards needed for successful certification testing. Local options include both traditional courses as well as an accelerated or free program, giving future nurse aides flexibility as they pursue their career goals at their own pace.
In the Cleveland metro area, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $33,910 based on BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. These earnings reflect typical wages available through Athens’ accredited training pathways.
Quick Facts About Athens
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Population14,091Residents
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CNA Programs2State-approved Programs
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Median Income$50,150Median Annual Income
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CNA Hourly Rate$16.30Median Hourly Rate
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CNA Yearly Salary$33,910Median Annual Salary
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Facilities4CMS Healthcare Facilities2 Nursing Homes • 1 Hospital • 1 Home Health Agencies
Get Information from CNA Programs in Athens and Nearby
Schools in Athens and nearby are actively seeking qualified students. Fill out one quick form below to receive information directly from multiple accredited CNA programs.
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- Upcoming start dates & schedules
- Tuition costs & financial aid options
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- Program details & requirements
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Browse CNA Classes in Athens
Athens offers 2 CNA programs that prepare students for Tennessee certification through flexible options, including free training or accelerated courses when available. These CNA classes provide essential patient-care instruction aimed at qualifying graduates for placement on the state registry while supporting career opportunities where demand exists locally throughout Athens’s growing medical sector.
Types of Classes Available
Free programs: available in Athens through various funding sources including employer sponsorship and grants.
Accelerated programs: available in Athens and are usually 4-week programs, sometimes 3 or 5 weeks.
Online programs not available in Athens but are offered in other cities throughout Tennessee.
NHC Healthcare, Athens
Program Details
TN College Of Applied Technology/Athens
Program Details
CNA Employment Opportunities in Athens
CNA Salary Information
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Annual Salary$33,910Median Yearly Pay
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Hourly Rate$16.30Median Per Hour
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Available Jobs320CNA Positions
CNA jobs in Athens are part of the Cleveland region, where approximately 320 CNAs work across skilled nursing homes, hospitals such as Starr Regional Medical Center Athens, and local home health agencies providing vital support services throughout southeast Tennessee communities surrounding Athens itself.
The CNA salary in Athens mirrors regional pay levels: In Cleveland’s metropolitan area, CNAs earn a median annual wage of $33,910 or $16.30 hourly according to BLS OEWS (May 2023) data. This rate is slightly below Tennessee’s overall median but remains consistent with similar communities statewide seeking qualified nurse aides.
Athens hosts two notable CMS-certified skilled nursing facilities: Nhc Healthcare Athens (86 beds) and Life Care Center of Athens (128 beds), both providing key employment sites locally recognized by regulators. Starr Regional Medical Center Athens also serves as an acute-care hospital resource, while Nhc Homecare Athens extends additional job opportunities through its proprietary home health agency services.
Sources
- Salary Data: BLS OEWS (May 2023)
- Healthcare Facilities: CMS (July 2025)
Working in Nearby Cities
Looking beyond Athens? Explore CNA programs and jobs in Sweetwater, Harriman, Spring City, Englewood, and Benton, or browse the Tennessee CNA programs page for more options.
Working in Other States
Planning to move or gain experience working in other states? Use our reciprocity guide to transfer your existing CNA license across states.
Working Through Agencies or as a Travel CNA
If you're already certified and would like to work through an agency or work as a travel CNA, browse here our directory of CNA agencies or simply fill out this short form to get matched with 3 personalized CNA agencies that can help you land your next job.
Nursing Homes Hiring CNAs in Athens (2 facilities)
2 nursing homes in Athens providing CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS nursing homes (July 2025)
Facility Details
Facility Details
Hospitals Hiring CNAs in Athens (1 facilities)
1 hospital in Athens offering CNA employment opportunities. Source: CMS hospitals (July 2025)
Starr Regional Medical Center Athens
Facility Details
Home Health Agencies Hiring CNAs in Athens (1 facilities)
1 home health agency in Athens providing CNA career opportunities. Source: CMS home health agencies (July 2025)
Facility Details
Requirements to Work as a CNA in Athens, TN
To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Athens, you must meet the statewide CNA requirements set by Tennessee. These include completing a Tennessee Department of Health–approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), passing the state competency evaluation administered by D&SDT–HEADMASTER, and being listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry.
- At least 75 total hours of training (classroom, lab, and clinical combined)
- Completion of 16 hours of required instruction before any direct resident contact
- Passing both the knowledge and skills exams within 24 months of completing training (up to three attempts per section)
- Criminal background check required before patient contact
- Placement on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry maintained by the Tennessee Department of Health
Once certified, you can work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and home health agencies throughout Athens and across Tennessee.
Already certified in another state? You may qualify for reciprocity to transfer your certification into Tennessee without retraining or retesting. Learn more in our CNA License Reciprocity in Tennessee guide.
For full details on training, testing, certification renewal, and maintaining an active listing, see our step-by-step CNA License & Registration in Tennessee guide.
Career Growth & Advancement
Many CNAs use their experience as a stepping stone toward advanced healthcare careers:
- Specialized certifications (e.g., dementia care, medication aide)
- Promotion into shift supervisor or training coordinator roles
- Bridge programs to become an LPN or RN
- Opportunities in healthcare administration or education
Frequently Asked Questions about CNA Classes in Athens
How long does it take to complete a CNA program in Athens?
Most CNA programs in Athens can be completed in 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a traditional, accelerated, or weekend schedule.
How much does CNA training cost in Athens?
Tuition typically ranges from $800–$1,500, though may be higher depending on the program. Some schools and healthcare employers may cover the cost or reimburse you after hiring.
Are there free CNA classes in Athens?
Some hospitals, nursing homes, and workforce programs may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.
Are there online CNA training options available in Athens?
Several schools offer hybrid options with online coursework and in-person clinical training at local healthcare facilities.
Are there any 4-weeks CNA classes in Athens?
Yes, some schools in Athens or nearby areas may offer accelerated CNA programs that can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, depending on class schedules and clinical requirements.
Which nearby cities are there for CNA classes and job opportunities?
Near Athens there are several other cities with CNA classes and job opportunities, such as Sweetwater, Harriman, Spring City, Englewood, and Benton. You can also look at the Tennessee state page to find more.
How do I get listed on the Tennessee CNA registry?
To work as a CNA in Tennessee, you must be added to the official state registry. See our Tennessee CNA registry guide for step-by-step instructions.
Where do CNAs work in Athens?
CNAs in Athens are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and other healthcare facilities. Many also use their CNA experience as a stepping stone to LPN or RN careers.
Information Accuracy: Requirements, salary data, and other information are carefully compiled and based on the latest available sources, but may change. Please verify with official sources before making decisions. If you spot a mistake, let us know.